In January–June 2026, Kazakhstan's exports grew by 8.6%, reaching $40.3 billion. Exports are growing faster than imports, the positive trade balance approached $9 billion, and Kazakhstani goods have significantly strengthened their positions in the markets of China, Turkey, France, Uzbekistan, and other countries.
Kazakhstan continues to expand its presence in global markets. In the first half of 2026, the country's merchandise exports amounted to $40.3 billion, an increase of 8.6% compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, imports grew by 5.4% to $31.5 billion. As a result, Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover reached $71.8 billion, an increase of 7.2%, and the positive foreign trade balance amounted to approximately $8.9 billion.
Thus, one of the key outcomes of the first half of the year was not only an increase in foreign trade flows but also the fact that exports grew at a faster pace than imports. This ensured further strengthening of the country's positive trade balance.
Kazakhstan's exports surpassed the $40 billion mark
Over six months, Kazakhstan exported goods worth more than $40 billion. This is one of the most notable results of the country's foreign trade in recent years.
For comparison, in January–June 2025, exports amounted to $37.1 billion. Thus, export revenue increased by approximately $3.2 billion over the year.
This export growth is occurring against the backdrop of expanding supply geography. Kazakhstan is simultaneously strengthening its positions in the largest markets of Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.
Turkey: exports nearly doubled over the year
One of the strongest results was a sharp increase in supplies to Turkey. In the first half of the year, Kazakhstan's exports to Turkey grew by 94.3%. In fact, the volume of supplies to this market nearly doubled over the year.
This is one of the highest growth rates among Kazakhstan's largest trading partners and an indicator of expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Significant export growth was also recorded towards France — by 45.2%, Uzbekistan — by 39.5%, Germany — by approximately 10%, and a number of other markets.
China becomes the largest destination for Kazakhstani exports
China retains its status as the largest single market for Kazakhstani goods. In January–June 2026, Kazakhstan's exports to China amounted to approximately $7.51 billion, or 18.6% of the country's total exports.
The top ten largest destinations also included Italy — $6.98 billion, Russia — $3.49 billion, Turkey — $3.23 billion, the Netherlands — $2.6 billion, France — $2.32 billion, and Uzbekistan — $2.14 billion.
This structure shows that Kazakhstani exports have a broad geography. The main supplies are simultaneously directed to China, European countries, Russia, Turkey, and Central Asian states.
Export growth is driven not only by traditional raw material items
Strong dynamics are observed across a whole range of commodity items. In particular, exports of copper and copper products grew by approximately 58%, increasing from $1.8 billion to $2.84 billion.
Exports of copper ores and concentrates increased by approximately 43% — from $1.44 billion to $2.05 billion. Notable growth was also recorded in other items of the metallurgical and mining complex.
At the same time, the export structure is gradually becoming more diverse in terms of destinations and commodity flows. Oil and petroleum products still account for a significant share of exports, but supplies of metals, ores, and other commodity groups are simultaneously increasing.
Kazakhstan's export geography is becoming broader
The dynamics of individual markets are particularly indicative. In addition to China and European countries, Kazakhstan is noticeably strengthening its export positions in Central Asia. Supplies to Uzbekistan grew by almost 40%, reflecting the further deepening of trade ties within the region.
Simultaneously, the nearly twofold growth in exports to Turkey demonstrates the expansion of Kazakhstan's presence in the market of one of the country's key trade and logistics partners.
Thus, the dynamics of the first half of the year are shaping several positive trends at once: growth in export volume, expansion of supply geography, and an increase in exports across individual industrial commodity groups.
